the collector's folio

George Frederic Watts Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by George Frederic Watts our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide George Frederic Watts · 1817 – 1904

The Minotaur

1885 · Tate Britain, London · original 94 x 118 cm

George Frederic Watts’ haunting ‘The Minotaur’ captures the myth's brutality & despair. Inspired by child prostitution, it depicts the creature’s longing, a powerful symbol of primal instincts and suffering.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$47194 × 118 cm Commission at original size

The Minotaur

1877 · Tate Gallery, London · original 117 x 93 cm

Explore George Frederic Watts’ iconic ‘The Minotaur’! This captivating oil painting showcases Romanticism & mythology. Discover its symbolism & beauty – reproductions available at ArtsDot.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$46593 × 117 cm Commission at original size

Hope

1886 · Tate Britain, London · original 111 x 142 cm

George Frederic Watts' 'Hope' (1886) depicts a blindfolded woman seeking solace in music amidst a desolate landscape, symbolizing resilience and enduring spirit.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$607111 × 142 cm Commission at original size

Chaos

1875 · Tate Britain, London · original 304 x 106 cm

Experience the profound Symbolism of Watts' 'Chaos,' a monumental 19th-century depiction of human struggle against nature's grandeur; discover this masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17554 × 18 cm Commission this artwork

Hope

1886 · Tate Gallery, London · original 141 x 110 cm

Experience the poignant Symbolism of George Frederic Watts' Hope (1886), capturing profound emotion against a blue backdrop; discover this masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$599110 × 141 cm Commission at original size

The Minotaur

1885

A powerful Symbolist masterpiece by George Frederic Watts, The Minotaur captures the dark tension of Victorian social commentary through a muscular mythological figure gazing at the sea, available as a fine reproduction.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Eve Repentant

1875 · Tate Britain, London · original 119 x 259 cm

George Frederic Watts’ ‘Eve Repentant,’ a poignant Symbolist masterpiece depicting sorrow and redemption through luminous oil paint and evocative imagery of a naked woman with birds, invites contemplation on loss and spiritual awakening.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17521 × 47 cm Commission this artwork

She Shall be Called Woman

1880 · Tate Britain, London · original 116 x 257 cm

George Frederic Watts' "She Shall Be Called Woman" (1875-92) is a haunting portrait embodying feminine strength and mystery, reflecting Symbolist ideals through evocative symbolism & masterful technique.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17521 × 48 cm Commission this artwork

Love and Death

1901 · Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide · original 116 x 235 cm

Experience George Frederic Watts' "Love and Death" – a dramatic Symbolist painting of mourning and passion. Explore its rich symbolism, intricate details, and the artist’s masterful composition.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17522 × 45 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$939116 × 235 cm Commission at original size

A Lamplight Study: Herr Joachim

1868 · Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · original 94.0 x 58.6cm

A moody Symbolist portrait of a violinist by George Frederic Watts. Explore this dramatic oil masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$30859 × 94 cm Commission at original size

Jonah

1894 · Tate Britain, London · original 91 x 155 cm

George Frederic Watts’ 'Jonah' (1894) – a dramatic oil painting blending Egyptian relief & biblical themes. Romantic style, rich textures, and powerful symbolism. Explore this Victorian masterpiece!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17524 × 41 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$55991 × 155 cm Commission at original size

Eve Tempted

1884 · Tate Britain, London · original 116 x 257 cm

George Frederic Watts' "Eve Tempted" captures a poignant moment of temptation and introspection within the Garden of Eden. A stunning oil painting, it explores themes of innocence, choice, and humanity’s fall.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17521 × 48 cm Commission this artwork

Sir Anthony Panizzi

1847 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 75.6 x 75.2cm

A somber 1847 portrait by George Frederic Watts shows intense focus. Explore this dramatic masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17532 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$31375 × 76 cm Commission at original size

Ellen Terry

1864 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 59.7 x 59.7cm

This poignant 1864 portrait by George Frederic Watts captures a moment of intense emotion. Discover the beauty of this symbolic masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17531 × 32 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$25160 × 60 cm Commission at original size

Sir Charles Hallé (né Carl Halle)

1870 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 74.3 x 48.9cm

This somber 1870 oil portrait by George Frederic Watts captures a dignified subject. Shop this classical masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$25349 × 74 cm Commission at original size

Edmund Lyons, 1st Baron Lyons

1856 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 61.0 x 50.5cm

This somber 1856 oil portrait by George Frederic Watts captures a dignified gaze. Shop this masterful academic reproduction today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23751 × 61 cm Commission at original size

Cecil John Rhodes

1898 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 85.7 x 67.9cm

This somber oil portrait by George Frederic Watts captures a dignified subject. Discover the power of this expressive masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$31768 × 86 cm Commission at original size

John Russell, 1st Earl Russell

1851 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 45.1 x 38.1cm

This somber 1851 oil portrait by George Frederic Watts captures a contemplative statesman. Discover this masterpiece at ArtsDot today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19638 × 45 cm Commission at original size

George Douglas Campbell, 8th Duke of Argyll

1860 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 59.7 x 49.5cm

This somber 1860 oil portrait by George Frederic Watts captures a noble gaze. Shop this exquisite academic realism masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23350 × 60 cm Commission at original size

(William) Edward Hartpole Lecky

1878 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 64.8 x 52.1cm

This somber monochrome portrait by George Frederic Watts captures a contemplative scholar. Discover this timeless masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24552 × 65 cm Commission at original size

Robert Lowe, 1st Viscount Sherbrooke

1874 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 64.8 x 52.1cm

This somber 1874 portrait by George Frederic Watts captures a dignified statesman in classical realism. Discover this masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24552 × 65 cm Commission at original size

Robert Browning

1866 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 66.4 x 53.8cm

This somber 1866 oil portrait by George Frederic Watts captures a dignified profile. Discover this masterpiece of academic realism today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$25154 × 66 cm Commission at original size

Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury

1882 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 64.8 x 52.1cm

This 1882 oil portrait by George Frederic Watts captures a dignified statesman in Academic Realism. Shop this masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24552 × 65 cm Commission at original size

John Laird Mair Lawrence, 1st Baron Lawrence

1862 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 62.2 x 50.5cm

This somber 1862 portrait by George Frederic Watts captures a dignified subject in dramatic chiaroscuro. Discover this masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23851 × 62 cm Commission at original size

Walter Crane

1891 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 66.3 x 56.0cm

This somber 1891 oil portrait by George Frederic Watts captures Walter Crane in profile. Discover this dignified masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 244 artworks by George Frederic Watts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$25556 × 66 cm Commission at original size

The artist

George Frederic Watts

1817 – 1904

Quick facts

Top 3 worksThe Minotaur, Hope
Works on APS244
Room fitoffice, living room
Also known asGeorge Frederick Watts, George Watts, F. W. Watts, G. F. Watts, George F. Watts
NationalityUnited Kingdom
Movementssymbolism
Died1904
Born1817, London, United Kingdom

Biography

Early Life and Artistic Training

George Frederic Watts entered the world in Marylebone, London, on February 23, 1817. His early years were shaped by the quiet industry of his father, a piano-maker, and the heavy shadow cast by the death of his mother when he was still young. This early loss left a mark upon his character, perhaps contributing to the introspective depth that would later define his creative output. Despite the fragility of his health during these formative years, a steady hand and a keen eye for form began to emerge through his studies.

The boy's talent found its first true direction at the age of ten, when he began learning the art of sculpture under the guidance of William Behnes. This early immersion in three-dimensional form allowed him to understand the weight and presence of figures long before he turned his full attention to the canvas. By the time he reached eighteen, his ambitions had grown beyond the private studio. In 1835, he enrolled as a student at the Royal Academy Schools, seeking to refine the instincts that had been nurtured since his childhood.

The Influence of Italy and Commissions

Ambition and a stroke of luck began to pull the young artist toward a grander stage in 1843. That year, he submitted a drawing for a competition to design murals for the new Houses of Parliament, a task that earned him a first prize. This success opened doors that led him away from the familiar streets of London and toward the warmth of Italy. He traveled there from 1843 to 1847, a period of years that would fundamentally reshape his vision. In those Italian lands, he found himself under the wing of the British ambassador, Henry Fox, whose association provided both social connection and intellectual nourishment during his formative travels.

The momentum gained from his early successes eventually brought him back to the service of his country. He was entrusted with a significant commission to create a fresco for the Houses of Parliament, a task that occupied his hands and mind between 1848 and 1853. This work required a mastery of scale and a deep understanding of how art might inhabit the monumental spaces of government. Through these public duties and his time spent wandering through the heart of Europe, his art moved away from simple representation and toward the grand, allegorical themes that would define his later years.

Key Works and Symbolic Masterpieces

His ambitions often reached toward the grander scale of human existence, seeking to map the very soul through his art. He conceived an ambitious project known as the "House of Life," a cycle of frescoes intended to illustrate the spiritual development and origins of mankind. Though the full scale of this cycle remained unfinished due to a lack of patronage, its themes of love and life continued to haunt his brush. In 1864, he turned his attention to the living, capturing the likeness of the actress Ellen Terry in a portrait that sought to grasp her essence.

The weight of human experience often manifested in his more allegorical compositions. In 1875, he produced Chaos, a work that explored the interaction between humanity and the natural world through a lens of philosophical reflection. This tendency toward the symbolic reached a profound peak in 1886 with the completion of Hope. This painting, which exists in two versions, presents a figure of quiet determination amidst a somber, blue-toned landscape. Rather than offering simple optimism, the work depicts a sense of vulnerability and the tenacious pursuit of light within the darkness.

Hope (1886)
Chaos (1875)
Portrait of Ellen Terry (1864)

Technique and Artistic Style

His hand moved with a restless ambition, seeking to capture the unseen through the medium of oil on canvas. Throughout a prolific life, he produced around 800 canvases, each a step in a long, evolving search for a visual language that could hold the weight of human experience. He did not settle for the mere imitation of life; instead, he sought to translate the internal struggles of the soul into form and color. This drive led him to move organically from the structured allegories of the Symbolist movement toward a more stripped-back, modern abstraction. His work often straddles two worlds, bridging the gap between the romantic symbolism of the Victorian era and the emerging sensibilities of modernism.

In his later years, the clarity of his subjects began to yield to a more profound, essentialized way of seeing. He was drawn to a cosmic synthesis, using recurring notions and allegorical renderings to explore the depths of human strength and folly. He often preferred to depict his subjects with their eyes closed, a choice that revealed an early interest in the unconscious mind. This technique allowed him to move beyond the specificities of a person's face to reach for something more universal. His brushwork and use of color were never intended to follow the fleeting fashions of his age, but rather to dig into the individual psyche and the eternal truths he felt were hidden beneath the surface of the visible world.

Chaos (1875)
Hope (1886)
The Minotaur (1885)
Eve Tempted (1884)

Legacy and Where to See His Works

The influence of his vision lingered long after his passing, earning him the Order of Merit in 1902. This recognition spoke to a life spent chasing the profound truths of the human condition through paint and stone. His presence remains felt in the halls of major institutions, where his canvases continue to invite quiet contemplation. In London, the Tate Britain holds several of his significant works, preserving the weight of his allegorical explorations for those who walk its galleries.

For those seeking to understand the breadth of his creative output, the Watts Gallery – Artists' Village in Guildford offers a sanctuary of his memory. This site is dedicated to the preservation of his life's work and holds the largest collection of his paintings, drawings, and sculptures. It is a place where the atmosphere of his era remains palpable, allowing a viewer to encounter the scale of his ambition in a setting that feels deeply connected to his own spirit.

Hope (1886)
Chaos (1875)
The Minotaur (1885)
Eve Tempted (1884)
She Shall be Called Woman (1880)

Questions & Answers

Can I browse George Frederic Watts's works by movement?

The All Movements page groups George Frederic Watts's artworks by art movement.

How can I follow George Frederic Watts's work year by year?

George Frederic Watts's artworks can be seen in chronological order on the artist's Artwork Timeline page.

Where are George Frederic Watts's artworks mapped by subject?

The Subject Atlas of George Frederic Watts is a page that maps the artist's artworks by their subjects.

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Oct. 15, 2026

Collector's quiz

Where was George Frederic Watts born?
Under which sculptor did Watts learn at the age of 10?
Which artwork earned Watts a first prize in 1843 for a competition to design murals for the Houses of Parliament?
In which year was the painting 'Hope' completed?
Which museum houses the largest collection of Watts's work?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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All artworks by George Frederic Watts